Overview
- Dozens of helium weather balloons carrying contraband cigarettes entered Lithuanian airspace late Tuesday, prompting an overnight shutdown of Vilnius Airport.
- Roughly 30 flights were canceled or diverted and about 4,000 passengers were affected before operations resumed at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.
- Officials said the launches originated from multiple sites in Belarus in a coordinated operation, and investigators are working to identify who ordered it.
- Border guards detected several dozen balloons and intercepted about a dozen, and authorities have detained four suspects.
- Two land border crossings were temporarily closed overnight and a National Security Committee meeting was convened as Lithuania weighs stronger measures.